Computer Display Screen System and Adjustable Screen Mount, and Swinging Screens Therefor

ABSTRACT

A stand for supporting three computer displays is described herein. The stand includes a base, a column connected to the base, and three mounting assemblies coupled to the column for supporting the three computer displays. If the first computer display has a first flat screen lying on a first nominal plane, the second computer display has a second flat screen lying on a second nominal plane and the third computer display has a third screen lying on a third nominal plane, then the mounting assemblies allow the three computer displays to be configured so that the angle between the first and second nominal planes is sixty degrees, the angle between the first and third nominal planes is sixty degrees, and the angle between the second and third nominal planes is sixty degrees.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to electronic displays having dualdisplay screens used with computers and CAD design equipment, and moreparticularly to various embodiments of an LCD display system permittingpositioning of two or more LCD display screens in a variety oforientations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computers are readily adapted to operate multiple displays. Pairedmonitors and screens are useful when large amounts of relatedinformation, such as data or graphics, must be compared. Paired monitorscan be inconvenient, however, where limited desk space is available.Monitors may be horizontally aligned, or vertically aligned. It isespecially desirable to permit swinging of the monitor orientationstogether into a “booking” mode.

The invention also relates to a novel swingable mounting, which issuitable for mounting a variety of different pieces of equipment andinstruments particularly for example video cameras, telescopes, mirrors,and any number of different articles, which it may be desired to swinginto a position from which the article is not easily displaced.

The invention also relates to an interchangeable computer displayscreen, in which one or more of a variety of screen configurations canbe connected or disconnected in various configurations with a computer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a display system having twoscreens and comprising a base, a pair of electronic displays mounted onthe base and means for swingably mounting the display screens, forswinging towards one another for convenient viewing. The swinging meansincludes an arm assembly which supports the display screens on the base.The support for the arm assembly from the base may have an orientationrelative to the base in which the display screens are positioned invertically stacked screen relationship and may also have a differentorientation in which the display screens are positioned in a horizontal,side by side relationship. Each display screen has a swingable jointconnecting it to the arm assembly to permit adjustment of its angularorientation relative to the other screen. The angular orientation ofeach of the display screens relative to the arm assembly can thus be setby the user so as to orient each display screen in the desired angularorientation for that operator.

In one implementation of the invention, the arm assembly can be set inone position about a generally horizontal axis relative to the base, andthe display screens can be swung together relative to the arm assembly.The arm assembly may be locked in either orientations, typicallyvertical or horizontal. Each display screen may be permitted to swingonly between a pair of angular positions relative to the arm assembly bycontrols in the swingable joints.

The displays will often be horizontally arranged side by side in theiroperative angular orientation. It will generally be desirable tominimize the spacing between edges of the display screens whethervertically registered or horizontally registered. To that end, thecenter-to-center spacing between the display screens is preferablyreduced when the screens are swung together.

The swingable mounting joints connecting the display screens to the armassembly are preferably formed in such a way that they can bepreconfigured either for a side by side orientation or for a verticallystacked orientation of the screens, with means being provided on theswingable joints to guide the assembly in one fashion or the other, andthe arm assembly is preferably provided with connecting means connectingto the swingable joints, which cooperate with the means guiding theassembly.

The swingable joints are preferably provided with control abutments bymeans of which the swinging of the displays can be guided and controlledboth when in their horizontal side-by-side arrangement and when in theirvertically stacked arrangement, and the position and angulardisplacement of the two screens can be preset by adjustment of suchpositional controls during assembly.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of a unique form ofspring-loaded pivot mount for mounting equipment, such as the displayscreen. The pivot mount is capable of adjusting the spring pressure onthe pivot so that the article mounted on the pivot mount, in this case ascreen can be adjusted, when grasped with both hands and moved, butwhich is otherwise highly resistant to movement due to frictionallocking of the pivot mount.

The pivot mount has numerous other uses, other than mounting displayscreens as will be apparent from the following description.

Further aspects of the invention provide for the interchangeability ofscreens one with the other, so that larger or smaller screens may beused with the same computer, and so that screens may be used in variousdifferent positions.

In some cases the screens may simply be stood on a table. In other casesthe screens may be wall-mounted or mounted on some form of base separatefrom the computer. In other cases the screens may be interchangeably andreleasably mountable for example in a vehicle, and they may beconfigured in pairs so that they may be portable and set up for a multiscreen display, for example, for viewing by a number of personssimultaneously.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forminga part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use,reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated and described preferredembodiments of the invention.

IN THE DRAWINGS

The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent toone skilled in the art by reading the following specification andsubjoined claims and by referencing the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a dual display screen system,showing swinging movement of the two screens towards one another;

FIG. 2 is a side-elevation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front-elevation of the dual display screens of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the dual display screens of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of dual display screen shown withthe screens in vertical arrangement one above the other;

FIG. 6 is a side-elevation of FIG. 5 showing the screens tilted towardsone another;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the pivot mount and ball joint used inthis embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a section along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a section along the line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective illustration of an arm assembly, andshowing cut away portions of the swingable joints;

FIG. 11 is a section along the line 11-11 of FIG. 10, showing the twocomponents assembled;

FIG. 12 is a section along the line 12-12 of FIG. 10 showing the twoparts assembled;

FIG. 13 is a perspective partly exploded illustration showing analternative interchangeable mounting system for mounting the screens;

FIG. 14 is an exploded rear perspective illustration of a complementaryportion of the mounting system, which is fitted to the back of eachscreen;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective illustration showing theinterchangeable mounting system of the invention coupled with a balljoint similar to that shown in FIG. 12, to enable a screen to be mountedon a stand separately from the computer;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation of the complementary portion of theinterchangeable mounting system mounted on the back of a screen;

FIG. 17 is a section along the line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective illustration partly in phantom of a modifiedform of stand for a computer screen;

FIG. 19 is a perspective illustration of a stand somewhat similar toFIG. 18, with a collapsible stand arm nesting in a base;

FIG. 19 a is a perspective of the unit of FIG. 19 folded and nested forstorage or carrying;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective illustration partly exploded showing amodified form of computer together with a display releasible mounted onan arm extending from the computer;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective illustration of a wall-mounted form ofinterchangeable display screen together with a control panel;

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration showing an interchangeable mountingof a display screen in a vehicle;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of another vehicle mounting of theinterchangeable displays screen, in the rear compartment of the vehicle;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a computer with a rear mounted supportarm, and a greatly enlarged display screen fitted to the arm;

FIG. 25 is a perspective illustration of a table-mounted screen;

FIG. 26 shows a computer having two screens mounted one above the other,with a rotatable mount between the two screens;

FIG. 27 is a view of the same computer as shown in FIG. 26 showing thetwo screens folded outwardly, so that the display can be viewed by twopersons sitting opposite one another;

FIG. 28 is an illustration of a portable dual display screen with ahinging mount, the two screens being shown folded together in a storedor carrying position;

FIG. 29 is a perspective illustration showing a plurality of the displayscreens of FIG. 28 opened up so that they may stand on the table andface in opposite directions, and coupled to a computer;

FIG. 30 is a perspective illustration of an alternate form of tripoddisplay stand for holding three displays for example, on a conferenceroom table or the like;

FIG. 31 is a perspective illustration of the tripod support of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a rear perspective partially exploded view of another form ofdismountable display leg for a display screen;

FIG. 33 is a rear perspective illustration of a typical lap topcomputer, having two display screens, the one being slidable relative tothe other for nesting, or extendable for use;

FIG. 34 is a perspective illustration of the lap top computer with dualdisplay screens of FIG. 33 showing the display screens in anotherconfiguration;

FIG. 35 is a perspective illustration of another form of lap topcomputer having two display screens, and showing a slidable cover panelfor one of the two display screens;

FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of another form of display screen,showing attachment recesses for various components;

FIG. 37 is a perspective illustration of, for example, a lap topcomputer showing two display screens such as that illustrated in FIG.36, being attachable to a hinge mounting on the computer;

FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of a pair of display screens asillustrated in FIG. 36 shown side by side;

FIG. 39 is a front elevational view corresponding to FIG. 38, butshowing the two display screens one above the other;

FIG. 40 shows an illustration of a further embodiment of invention witha computer having two display screens joined along the side by a hinge;

FIG. 41 shows the computer of FIG. 40 with the two display screens swungout side by side;

FIG. 42 shows the same computer with the two screens swung back to back,so as to display in opposite directions;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a laptop computer system incorporatinga center LCD panel and a pair of half-width LCD panels on each sidethereof, wherein the half-width panels may be folded over the center LCDpanel and the entire display portion then folded down onto the keyboardportion of the laptop to form a compact assembly;

FIG. 43A is a perspective view of a laptop computer which forms amultimedia center, and which incorporates a pair of foldable speakersflanking a lower LCD screen, and an upper LCD screen hingedly attachedto the lower screen;

FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of a display system of the presentinvention incorporating a telescoping and pivoting upper support arm forpositioning an upper LCD panel adjustably at a desired height above alower LCD panel or in an orientation facing away from the lower LCDpanel;

FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of the display system of FIG. 44showing the upper support arm in an extended position;

FIG. 46 is a side elevational view of the display system with the upperLCD panel adjusted at an angle relative to the lower LCD panel;

FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of the display system with the upperLCD panel folded over backward relative to the lower LCD panel;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the display system in use at an airlineticket counter;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the display system in a foldedorientation for easy handling;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment ofa display system of the present invention incorporating a rotatingsupport member to enable a LCD panel to be rotated about a verticalaxis;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view illustrating an upper LCD panel mountedfor swiveling movement relative to a lower LCD panel using the systemshown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the display system shown in FIG. 51showing the two LCD panels facing in opposite directions;

FIG. 53 is an exploded perspective view of a modular, multi-panel LCDdisplay system in accordance with another alternative preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the display system shown in FIG. 53 inassembled form ready to accept four LCD panels;

FIG. 55 is a front view of the display system of FIG. 54 with four LCDpanels attached thereto;

FIG. 56 is a rear view of the display system of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the display system of FIG. 55;

FIG. 58 is an exploded perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 53but without one of the support arms such that a three LCD panel displaysystem is formed;

FIG. 59 is an exploded perspective view of the display system shown inFIG. 58 illustrating how a single LCD panel is attached at an uppermostend of one of the support arms;

FIG. 60 is a front elevational view of three LCD panels supported on thedisplay system shown in FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 is a front elevational view of three LCD panels being supportedsuch that the single LCD panel is below an upper pair of LCD panels;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a base assembly for supporting threeLCD panels in the configuration shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 63 is a front elevational view of a four LCD panel system with twoof the panels disposed in portrait orientation and two disposed inlandscape orientation; and

FIG. 64 is a front elevational view of a three LCD panel system with twoLCD panels disposed in a landscape orientation and one in a portraitorientation.

FIGS. 65-67 illustrate perspective views of a display support system inaccordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 68-70 illustrate the display support system of FIGS. 65-67supporting a pair of LCD screens in various orientations;

FIGS. 71-74 illustrate perspective views of an alternative preferredembodiment of the display support system of FIGS. 65-67, whichincorporates a screen centering device for centering a pair of LCDscreens on a support arm of the system;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the centering member of the system ofFIG. 71;

FIG. 76 is a front elevational view of the display support system ofFIGS. 71-74 supporting a pair of LCD screens of different dimensions;

FIG. 77 is a partial plan view of the display screen support systemshown in FIG. 71 illustrating the limited degree of booking availablebecause of limited clearance between the edges of the LCD screens andthe support arm of the system;

FIG. 78 is a partial plan view of an alternative preferred embodiment ofa display screen support system which allows for an increased degree ofbooking of two LCD screens by virtue of a concavity formed in a supportarm portion thereof;

FIGS. 79 and 80 are perspective views of the display support system ofFIG. 78 but with a base assembly incorporating extendable foot portionsto increase the effective footprint of the base assembly;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of the base assembly of FIGS. 79 and 80but with an increased base panel portion to provide even furtherstability to the base assembly;

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of a mechanism for enabling smoothextending movement of each of the arm members of the display supportsystem shown in FIGS. 71-74;

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred mechanism forenabling smooth rolling movement of the support arms within a commonsupport member;

FIG. 84 is a perspective view of another alternative preferred form ofthe arm member incorporating semi-circular grooves and channels forsmooth sliding movement of the arm members;

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment ofthe arm member of FIG. 84 illustrating the use of square shaped channelsand shoulder portions;

FIGS. 86-88 are perspective views of a display support system whichenables an LCD screen mount to be quickly repositioned in either aportrait or a landscape orientation;

FIG. 89 is a partial cross sectional view in accordance with sectionline 89-89 in FIG. 88;

FIG. 90 is a partial cross sectional view of an alternative preferredembodiment of the display system shown in FIG. 89, which incorporatesstop members for limiting movement of an LCD mount member between twopositions 90 degrees apart from one another;

FIG. 91 is a simplified cross sectional view of the neck portion of anLCD support member in accordance with section line 91-91 in FIG. 90illustrating the two grooves which limit movement of the neck portion;

FIG. 92 is a perspective view of the LCD screen mounting member and aportion of the support member, illustrating the recess in the supportmember;

FIGS. 93-103 are perspective views of an LCD display systemincorporating a universal ball joint hinge for enabling a pair of LCDscreens to be placed in various orientations;

FIGS. 104 and 105 are elevational views of an arrangement forpositioning two LCD screens on a common support arm such that thescreens can be repositioned in either portrait or landscape orientationswithout requiring same to be spaced at different distances from oneanother;

FIG. 106 is a perspective view of a release member in accordance with analternative preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 107 is a partial side view of the release member of FIG. 107;

FIG. 108 is an end view of the release member taken in accordance withdirectional arrow 108-108 in FIG. 107;

FIGS. 109-111 are perspective views of the release member being insertedinto an associated support member;

FIGS. 112-114 are perspective views of the release member being rotatedwithin the opening in the support member;

FIG. 115 is a perspective view of a portion of the support member ofFIGS. 104-114;

FIG. 116 is a front view of a portion of the support member showing theopening therein in greater detail;

FIG. 117 is a partial cross sectional view illustrating the releasemember in one orientation within the opening in the support member;

FIG. 118 is a partial cross sectional view of the release member havingbeen moved 90 degrees counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG.117;

FIG. 119 is a partial cross sectional side view of the release membercoupled to a lever assembly associated with the support member, with thelever assembly locking the camming member in place relative to thesupport member;

FIG. 120 illustrates the lever assembly shown in FIG. 119 in an unlockedorientation, thereby enabling rotational movement of the release member;

FIG. 121 is a perspective view of the support member and lever assemblyshown in FIG. 119, with the lever thereof in the locked position;

FIG. 122 is a view of the lever of FIG. 121 but with the lever in theopen position;

FIG. 123 is an alternative preferred embodiment of an arm assembly ofthe present invention incorporating a threaded locking member forlocking the arm member relative to an associated support member;

FIG. 124 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the arm memberwithin the support arm, and with the support member shown in phantom;

FIG. 125 is a partial end cross sectional view taken in accordance withsection line 125-125 in FIG. 123;

FIG. 126 is a partial cross sectional view taken in accordance withsection line 126-126 in FIG. 125;

FIG. 127 is an alternative preferred embodiment of the present inventionsubstantially in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 123-126 exceptfor the inclusion of a plurality of rollers to assist in providingsmooth rolling movement;

FIG. 128 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative preferredembodiment of the present invention incorporating a ball joint assemblyadapted to be easily adjusted to four different positions on a supportmember;

FIG. 129 is a perspective view of the mounting block shown in FIG. 128;

FIG. 130 is an assembled side cross sectional view of the assembly shownin FIG. 128;

FIGS. 131-133 illustrate dimensional considerations for mounting two LCDscreens such that various edges of each align with each other when thetwo screens are in different orientations;

FIG. 140 is a front view of a dual LCD screen monitor system having onescreen rotating into a portrait mode;

FIG. 141 is a top view of the display system of FIG. 140 illustratingthe outwardly booked position of the rightmost LCD screen duringrotation thereof;

FIG. 142 is a front view of the display system of FIG. 140 but with theleftmost LCD screen booked outwardly to enable rotation thereof;

FIG. 143 is a plan view of the display system of FIG. 142;

FIG. 144 is a front view of the display system of FIG. 142 in theprocess of being rotated clockwise while in an outwardly bookedposition;

FIG. 145 is a plan view of the display system of FIG. 144;

FIG. 146 is a front view of the display system of FIG. 144 with both LCDscreens rotated completely into a portrait mode;

FIG. 147 is a plan view of the display system of FIG. 146;

FIG. 148 is a partial cross-sectional view in accordance with sectionline 148-148 in FIG. 147 of the ball joint assembly of FIG. 134 in usewith the leftmost LCD screen in FIG. 147;

FIG. 149 is a cross sectional view in accordance with section line149-149 of FIG. 147 of the ball joint assembly in use with the rightmostLCD screen in FIG. 147;

FIG. 150 is a perspective view of a portion of a base assembly for anLCD display system incorporating a built in control panel;

FIG. 151 is an enlarged perspective view of the control panel shown inFIG. 150;

FIG. 152 is a perspective view of a display system incorporating aflexible camera mounted in a support arm thereof;

FIG. 153 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment ofthe camera of FIG. 152 but also including a microphone integratedtherewith;

FIG. 154 is a front view of the display system of FIG. 152 including apair of LCD screens attached thereto;

FIG. 155 is a side view of the display system of FIG. 155;

FIG. 156 is an enlarged perspective view of the camera shown in FIG.152;

FIG. 157 is a front view of an alternative preferred embodiment of anLCD display system incorporating a camera built into the bezel of one ofthe LCD screens thereof;

FIG. 158 is a perspective view of a clip incorporating a camera whichcan be secured to a bezel of an LCD screen; and

FIG. 159 is a partial perspective view of an LCD screen incorporatingthe clip attached to the bezel of the screen.

DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

As already explained, the invention in this particular embodimentillustrated, has its application to the use of dual display screens,which can be used to display two different computer imagessimultaneously. This may have application for example in CAD computerdesign application. For these and other purposes it is particularlyuseful if the two screens or displays can be tilted towards one anotherso that they appear in the form more or less of two pages of an openbook. The screens are preferably arranged side by side, in horizontalalignment, but may also be arranged vertically one above the other.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the invention is there illustrated asin the form of a pair of video display screens 10 and 12, each of whichmay be of known construction, but which may typically be liquid crystaldisplays for example. They are each provided with video terminalconnectors 14 (FIG. 2) by means of which they may be connected to acomputer.

Each of the screens 10 and 12 comprises a central rectangular displayportion 16, and a rectangular marginal frame 18.

The two display screens 10 and 12 are mounted at opposite ends of amounting arm 20. The mounting arm 20 is itself supported on an uprightstand 22 and a base 24. The arm 20 may be connected to the base 22 by acoupling means 26 (FIG. 4) by means of which the arm may be attachedduring assembly, either horizontally, or vertically (FIG. 6) prior todelivery to the customer.

In some cases the manufacturer may simply make the arm permanentlyattached in one position, i.e. horizontal or the other i.e. vertical, toreduce expense.

As will be noted in FIGS. 2 and 4, each of the displays 10 and 12 ismounted on respective free ends of arm 20, by means of a swingablemounting means 28 and 30 respectively.

The swingable mounting means 28 and 30 are so constructed as to permitthe two screens 10 and 12 to be swung together towards one another, intothe configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in which they both remain inthe same upright planes, and in which they are both swung towards oneanother by equal angles. In this way, as the two screens 10 and 12 areswung towards one another into this configuration, the angulardisplacement of one screen is equal to the angular displacement of theother screen, so that the two frames 18 of the screens 10 and 12substantially meet at a central point indicated generally as P, thusbringing the two screens 16-16 as close as possible together and at thesame time, as far as possible, simulating the appearance of two pages ofa book opened up.

It will be observed that when the arm 20 is fastened in its verticalposition as shown in FIG. 5, the lower one of the two screens 10 and 12is moved up the arm, because in the vertically stacked orientation, therectangular screens have a shorter vertical dimension, and it isdesirable that they should be as close to one another as possible whenthey are swung together, so that the longer sides meet at point P.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that it isdesirable that the two screens can be swung together into their inwardlyangled relation as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, or FIG. 6, but that thescreens should be capable of being tilted only to a limited degree inany other direction relative to one another, since this might reduce theclarity of the dual display. However, the two screens may be tiltedslightly upwardly, or downwardly by similar angular displacements. Inthis way the simulation of an open book arrangement is maintained.

For these reasons, the two display screens 10 and 12 are mounted on thearm 20 by means of the swingable mountings 28 and 30. These mountingswill now be described in greater detail with regard to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

FIG. 7 illustrates the mounting 28 or 30 in an exploded perspectiveview. The swingable joint consists essentially of a ball 32, and asocket 34, with the ball 32 being preferably cast out of a suitablematerial preferably a metallic material and the socket 34 being castpreferably of a somewhat resilient material such as a thermoplastic. Theball 32 is mounted on a neck 36, which extends from a generallyrectangular junction block 38. The block 38 is formed with a plurality,in this case four, rectangular guide members 40, spaced apart at 90degrees from one another around the block 38.

One of the guide members 40A, is wider than the other three guidemembers 40, to provide guidance when the guide members are assembled ina manner to be described below.

The block 38 and guide members 40 are designed to fit into suitablerecesses in the arm 20 (described below).

A collar member 42 of generally semi-arcuate shape, is designed to fitover the block 38 and around the socket 34, for reasons to be describedbelow. Collar 42 is formed with fastening flanges 44 by means of whichit may be secured in position as described below.

In this particular embodiment, the arm 20 is provided at each end withthree mounting recesses 46A, 46B and 46C. Each mounting recess 46 hasfour channel shaped grooves 48 formed therein spaced at ninety degreestherearound. The channel shaped grooves 48 are intended to receive therectangular guide members 40 of the swingable joints.

One of the guide channel grooves 48A is wider than the others, toreceive the wider one 40A of the rectangular guide members. In this waythe guide members provide a keying function, which controls thepositioning of the swingable joints and the display screen.

Bolts 50 align with the blocks 38, and are received in suitable threadedbores 51 (FIG. 7) and secure the assemblies in position.

The ball 32 is provided with a plurality, in this case four screwreceiving bores 52, adapted to receive screws 54 therein. The socketsare spaced around the widest part of the ball 32, and are radiallyspaced apart by 90 degrees from one another. It will be appreciated thatwhile there are four such bores 52, in certain circumstances only two orthree screws 54 will be inserted, for reasons to be described below.

The heads of the screws 54 are cylindrical and protrude outwardly fromthe ball 32, and are received in respective slots 56 formed in socket34. The ball 32 is a snug frictional fit within the interior of socket34, so that a significant twisting moment is required to rotate the ballwithin the socket.

Clearly depending on the number of screws 54 in position, the actualmovement of the ball in the socket is restricted. Thus for example ifthere are three such screws 54 in position, two of the screws 54 willsimply limit the movement of the ball 32, so that the ball 32 canvirtually be moved only around the axis of the two screws 54. If a thirdscrew 54 is inserted then it will restrict movement of the ball so thatit can be rotated only in such a fashion that the screw 54 rides alongits respective groove 56, but that it will not be able to movesignificantly in the reverse angular direction.

For reasons to be described below, two of the slots 56A and 56B arewider and the other two slots 56 are narrower.

The socket 34 has a generally annular base 58, and a spring loaded plate60 abuts against the annular base 58. The shape of the socket 34 is suchthat a small cylindrical boss 59 project through a registering openingin the spring plate 60, (FIG. 9).

The spring plate 60 is secured in position by means of screws 62 passingthrough suitable registering openings 61 on the flange 44 of the collar42, and secured in threaded openings 63 in plate 60.

By tightening or loosening the screws 62, it is possible to applygreater or lesser pressure by flexing the plate 60 against the rearsurface of socket 34, and thus adjust the friction between the surfaceof the ball 32 in the socket 34. In this way it is possible to presetthe rotational force or torque that would be require to rotate the ballin the socket.

Additional control of the friction on the ball is provided by means ofthe frusto-conical collar 42. This mates with frusto-conical bevels 64on the exterior of collar 34. Thus by tightening or loosening the screws50 in the sockets 48, the collar 42 can be made to squeeze and wedge thefour sides of the socket 34 together tightly around the ball 32 and thusstill further control the friction applied by the socket 34 to the ball32.

In order to further control and limit the swinging of the ball 32 andstem 36 relative to the socket 34, limiting screws 70-70 are provided,which can be inserted or removed in suitable threaded inserts 72-72 inannular base 58 of socket 34.

One or more such screws 70 can be inserted (FIG. 9) and can beadjustably positioned, so as to abut against the cylindrical heads ofscrews 54, and thus limit swinging of the ball 32.

Access to screws 70 can be obtained through registering opening 74 inplate 60.

As mentioned, all of these settings would be preset in the factorybefore shipment, so that in use the actual scope of movement of thedisplay screen, by means of rotating the ball 32 in the socket 34 issubstantially restricted or limited.

It will thus be seen that the novel ball and socket joint describedprovides a great degree of control on the angular position of thearticle attached to it, in this case the screens 10 or 12. In fact, bysuitable adjustments in the factory, the friction on the ball 32 can bemade sufficiently tight that it is substantially impossible to manuallymove the arm 36 on which the ball 32 is mounted, simply by grasping theblock 38.

However, the friction can be so adjusted that by grasping the two edgesof the display screen, the position of the display screen can bemanually adjusted to the most suitable position, and once adjusted itwill remain substantially fixed in that position.

Thus, once the block 38 is inserted in position in its socket in thearm, and locked in position, then by grasping the two side frames of thescreen, sufficient torque can be applied, to adjust the position of thescreen and rotate the ball 32 in the socket 34 until the screen is inthe desired position.

In accordance with various further embodiments of the invention asillustrated in FIGS. 13 through 29, the invention provides for a stillgreater range of interchangeability either as between one screen andanother screen for computer, which may facilitate either the use of asmall portable screen or a much larger screen, or the use of a pluralityof screens, or the ready interchangeability of simple forms of screenmountings.

FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16 indicate one form of interchangeable screenattachment, being a further embodiment of the ball and socket joint asillustrated in FIGS. 7 through 12. In this further embodiment, amodified form of plate 80 is secured to the ball and socket joint 28-30.The plate 8 in this case is formed with a generally V-shaped socket 82,the edges of the V-shaped socket being formed with flanges. Acomplementary attachment plug 84 is mounted on a plate 86 which issecured to the back of the screen 18. In this embodiment the arm 20 isshown mounted on an independent base stand 88, and the actual computerand keyboard may be located elsewhere and simply connected by suitablecoupling cables (not shown) so that the entire arrangement of displaysand mounting arm can be positioned wherever it is most convenient.

In this embodiment, for added security, locking screws 90 may beprovided in either side of the V-shaped recess 82. The flexibility ofthe interchangeable screen system according to the invention is furtherillustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. In this case, a portable mounting basefor a single display screen may be provided. In this case a base 92 isformed with a groove 94. A swingable upright arm 96 is swingable intoand out of the groove 94. The arm 26 may have a telescopic ability, andmay be provided with a V-shaped retaining slot 98 at its upper end, forretaining a display screen shown in phantom as 12, having a mountingplug 84 formed to fit the slot 98. If desired the slot 94 may also bearranged to hold a manual computer “mouse” device of a type well knownin computer art indicated generally as M, giving a limited degree ofcontrol over the display on the screen. FIG. 19 a illustrates the devicewith the arm 94 swung downwardly into the groove 92 and nested.

FIG. 20 illustrates a modification of this concept, in which for examplea computer of the lap-top type indicated generally as C may be providedwith a swingable support arm 100, having a V-shaped slot 102 at itsupper end similar to the slot 98. A display screen indicated generallyas 12 may have a mating groove or recess 104 adapted to receive the arm100, and within the groove 104 there is a V-shaped locking flange 106shaped to mate with the V-shaped slot 102. The locking flange 106 can beprovided with electrical contacts 107. Contacts 107 can be arranged tocontact matching contacts 108 (FIG. 19), in the V shaped slot 102. Thisarrangement can be used in all these embodiments to avoid the use ofcables wherever possible.

In this way the entire combination of lap-top computer and display 12can be fitted together and swung down into a closed position forcarrying or storage and can be swung upwardly for use, and if desired,the screen 12 as illustrated can be easily removed and a screen havingdifferent characteristics or a larger screen can simply be snapped inposition, if desired.

FIG. 21 illustrates the adaptability of the system for use in forexample the removable mounting of a display screen on a wall, or theside of a booth for example. In this case a wall mounting block 110 canbe attached by any suitable fastening means (not shown) for securing thesame to a vertical surface. The mounting block 110 may have fingeroperated controls similar to a computer “Mouse” for limited control ofthe display on the screen for demonstration or presentation purposes andmay have speakers for combined audio and visual effects.

The display screen 12 itself can again simply be mounted on an uprightarm 112 having at its upper end a generally V-shaped recessed body 114,preferably on a hinged mount 116. The screen 12 will be supplied with asuitable V-shaped locking flange on its rear surface (not shown) of thetype already described.

FIG. 22 illustrates the same concept for the mounting of a displayscreen indicated as 12 in a vehicle. This may have applicationparticularly for sales persons and for displaying maps of cities and thelike, to assist drivers of delivery vehicles. In this case the displayscreen 12 can be mounted on an arm 120 secured at a suitable position onthe front of the interior compartment of the vehicle. Again a releasablemount of the V-shaped slotted type shown as 122 is provided on the arm120, and the screen 12 would be provided on its rear with a suitableinverted V-shaped locking flange fitting in the recess 122. There wouldalso be provided matching electrical contacts, described above, in thesecomponents, to avoid the use of cables. In this way, the screen 12 couldbe placed and locked in position when it was required, and when thevehicle was parked the screen 122 could simply be easily dismounted andplaced in the trunk, or taken out of the vehicle altogether, for greatersecurity.

The screen 12 would be connected to a suitable small computer (notshown) again being of the portable type so that it could readily beremoved from the vehicle.

A somewhat similar arrangement could be made for the rear compartment ofthe vehicle illustrated in FIG. 23. In this case a swingable arm 126 isshown mounted in the rear surface of each of the front seats indicatedas S in a vehicle.

A suitable V-shaped slotted mounting recess 128 would be mounted on thearm 126. The arm 126 could be swung out from the seat, and a displayscreen 12 could be mounted on the V-shaped recess.

FIG. 24 illustrates a typical laptop computer C, having an enlargeddisplay screen 12 mounted on a hinged arm 130, which is hinged to therear of the computer. This illustrates the adaptability of theinterchangeable screen mounting using the V-shaped recess and plug, soas to adapt a smaller laptop type computer C, with use with a muchlarger screen 12.

FIG. 25 illustrates the use of a free-standing screen 12 having arearwardly mounted hinged leg 132, which can be swung rearwardly tosupport the screen at an angle somewhat in the manner of an easel.Again, the hinging leg 132 can be connected to the back of the screen 12by interchangeable means such as the V-shaped recess and plug, ifdesired.

FIG. 26 illustrates another configuration, in which a computer indicatedgenerally as C may be provided with two screens 12A and 12B swingablyand hingeably mounted to the rear edge of the computer C. The lowerscreen 12A is hinged along the line 134. The upper screen 12B is hingedto the lower screen 12A by means of the generally cylindrical tubularhinge bar 136.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the uppermost screen 12B can be swung into anobtuse angle relative to the lower screen 12A so that the two screens12A and 12B can be viewed by at least two persons sitting opposite toone another. By means of suitable software, when the upper screen 12B isswung into the obtuse angle shown, the image on the screen 12B will bereversed, so that the images on screens 12A and 12B are both viewed theright way up.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate forms of free-standing dual screens indicatedgenerally as 140 and 142, connected together by a tubular hinge bar 144.

The pairs of screens 140 and 142 can be swung open at obtuse angles toone another and stood on a surface such as a table as illustrated inFIG. 29. They may be connected to a computer C by means of daisy chaincables 146, which plug into opposite ends of the tubular hinge bar 144.As in the embodiment of FIGS. 26 and 27, the computer will containsuitable software the nature of which is to invert the image as betweenone screen and the other so that both screens show their respectiveimages the right way up.

Various other modifications and adaptations can also be made using theprinciples of the invention.

Thus, FIG. 30 is a perspective illustration of an alternate form oftripod display stand 145 for holding three displays 12 for example, on aconference room table or the like.

FIG. 31 is a perspective illustration of the tripod support 145 of FIG.30.

FIG. 32 is a rear perspective partially exploded view of another form ofdismountable display leg 130 for a display screen 12.

FIG. 33 is a rear perspective illustration of a typical lap top computerC, having two display screens 12A and 12B, the one being slidablerelative to the other for nesting, or extendable for use on arms 150.

FIG. 34 is a perspective illustration of the lap top computer C withdual display screens 12A and 12B of FIG. 33 showing the display screensin another configuration.

FIG. 35 is a perspective illustration of another form of lap topcomputer C having two display screens 12A and 12B, and showing aslidable cover panel 152 for one of the two display screens.

FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of another form of display screen154, showing attachment recesses 156 for various components. Electricalconnections 157 are incorporated in the recesses 156 for interconnectionwith matching contacts (not shown) in suitable accessories. Accessoriesmay include audio speakers, and video cameras for direct feed back, togive only two examples.

FIG. 37 is a perspective illustration of, for example, a lap topcomputer C showing two display screens 154-154 such as that illustratedin FIG. 36, being attachable to a hinge mounting 158 on the computer.

FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of a pair of display screens 154-154as illustrated in FIG. 36 shown side by side with audio speakers 158 andvideo cameras 159 attached.

FIG. 39 is a front elevational view corresponding to FIG. 38, butshowing the two display screens 154-154 one above the other,

As best shown in FIGS. 40, 41 and 42, a further embodiment of theinvention may provide for a typical computer C having two displayscreens 160 and 162. The screen 160 is hinged to the computer by meansof a hinge 164. The second screen 162 is hinged to the first screen bymeans of a vertical hinge along one side indicated as 166.

As best shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the two screens 160 and 162 may eitherbe swung out so that they are side by side with one another facing theoperator of the computer C, or, as shown in FIG. 42, the two screens maybe swung so that screen 162 is back to back with screen 160, therebydisplaying the display both to the operator of the computer and tosomebody sitting facing him. In this form of the invention specialsoftware and the like will not be required for the reversing of theimages, since both images will be shown the right way up.

Referring briefly now to FIG. 43, a computer 168 in accordance withanother alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention isshown. The computer incorporates a center LCD panel 170 pivotablymounted by a hinge 172 to a base portion 174 of the computer. Pivotablysupported on opposite sides of the center LCD panel 170 are a pair ofLCD panels 176 which are each about one-half the width of the center LCDpanel 170. The outer LCD panels 176 are supported by hinges 178, whichmay be identical in construction to hinge 172. The outer LCD panels 176may be folded over the center LCD panel 170 and the entire displayportion comprising panels 170 and 176 then folded down against the base174 to form a compact unit that may be easily carried.

In FIG. 43A, a multimedia laptop computer 168′ is shown. The computer168′ incorporates a pair of speakers 175 which are hingedly coupled viahinges 178′ to a lower LCD panel 170′. The lower LCD panel 170′ isitself hingedly coupled to a keyboard portion 174′ via a hinge 172′. Anupper LCD panel 179 is also hingedly coupled via a hinge 177 to thelower LCD panel 170′. When folded, the computer 168′ forms a compact,lightweight system.

Referring now to FIGS. 44-49, a display system 180 in accordance withanother alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention isshown. The display system 180 includes a base 182 and a support column184. Secured to the support column 184 is a lower support arm 186 and atelescoping upper support arm 188. Attached to each support arm is amounting assembly 190, which preferably comprises a ball joint such asthat described herein. Secured to each mounting assembly 190 is a LCDpanel 192.

With specific reference to FIGS. 45-47, the lower support arm 186comprises a tubular construction and the upper support arm 188 comprisesa neck portion 194 which enables the upper support arm 188 to beextended (i.e., telescoped) relative to the lower support arm 186. Theupper support arm 188 further includes a hinge 196 which enables theupper LCD panel 192 to be angled relative to the neck portion 194 so asto place it at a convenient viewing angle. As is apparent in FIG. 47,the upper LCD panel 192 can even be rotated into position to face awayfrom the lower LCD panel 192. This orientation is particularly wellsuited for retail applications where a sales person needs to viewinformation while inputting product or other information, and where itis desirable to display to the customer various items of information asthe transaction is conducted. Advantageously, the telescoping uppersupport arm 188 and the hinge 196 enable the two LCD panels 192 to beplaced at separate heights to accommodate airline ticket counters, hotelregistration counters and other like structures where an employee'scounter is frequently at a different height from a surface or counteruseable by a customer.

FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate the display system 180 in use at an ailineticket counter 198 having a first counter 200 at a lower height than asecond counter 202. In this application it will be appreciated thatsuitable software will be required to “flip” the image displayed on theupper LCD panel 192. The telescoping upper support arm 188 inherentlyprovides a degree of adjustability to accommodate a range of counterheights without modification to the either of the support arms 186,188or the support column 184.

FIG. 49 illustrates the two LCD panels 192 folded together such that thedisplay system 180 forms a compact assembly which may be easilytransported if needed. In this regard it will be appreciated that anyform of conventional clasp may be included to secure the folded LCDpanels 192 to one another or to the base. Also, a handle could easily beattached to a portion of the display system 180, such as the supportcolumn 184, to enable the system 180 to be easily transported.

Referring now to FIGS. 50 and 51, still another display system 200 isshown. With specific reference to FIG. 50, the display system 200includes a support column 202 and an upper support member 204 having aneck portion 206. The support column 202 includes a bore 208 adapted toreceive the neck portion and enable the neck portion 206 to rotate orswivel therein such that the upper support member 204 can be swiveled.The support member 204 is secured to a rear surface 212 of a LCD panel210 through either a fixed arrangement or a pivotable mountingarrangement such as disclosed herein. The neck 206 may be captured byany suitable arrangement in the bore 208 such that the LCD panel 210 isnot removable from the support column 202. Alternatively, it may bereleasably disposed in the bore 208 such that the entire upper supportmember 204 and LCD panel 210 may be lifted out of the column 202 beforerepositioning the LCD panel 210 as desired. In this manner the clearancebetween the LCD panel 210 and the support column 202, which wouldotherwise be important for allowing the support member 204 to freelyrotate with the LCD panel 210 thereon, will not be a concern.

With specific reference to FIG. 51, the display system 200 is shown withthe upper LCD panel 210 rotated to a position perpendicular to a lowerLCD panel 212. The support column 202 is supported on a base 214. InFIG. 52 the upper LCD panel 210 is rotated 180 degrees from the lowerLCD panel 212 to permit two individuals facing each other to each viewone of the LCD panels 210,212.

Referring now to FIG. 53, a modular display system 300 is shown inaccordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The display system 300 is intended to support anywhere fromone to four independent LCD display panels, but it will be appreciatedthat the system 300 could easily be expanded to support more than fourLCD panels if needed, as will be explained momentarily.

Referring to FIG. 53, the system 300 includes a base 302, a supportcolumn 304, a first support arm 306, a second support arm 308 and athird support arm 310. Each support arm 306, 308 and 310 includes atleast two coupling assemblies 312, and preferably three such assemblies312. The support column 304 also includes once such assembly 312,although this member could also include several assemblies 312 ifneeded. Support arms 306, 308 and 310 each also include a mountingmember 314 (with the mounting member of support arm 306 being hidden inFIG. 53) which is disposed preferably at an approximate mid-point alonga length of its support arm. Each mounting member 314 is adapted toengage in either one of two positions 90 degrees offset from one anotherin one of the coupling assemblies 312 in a key-like fashion to hold itsassociated LCD panel in either a portrait orientation or a landscapeorientation.

The pair of coupling assemblies closely adjacent each other on eachsupport arms 308 and 310 are provided to space two adjacently positionedLCD panels mounted on each arm slightly farther apart from each other toprovide additional clearance needed when the two LCD panels are placedin a landscape orientation. Thus, in a landscape orientation, the twoLCD panels supported on either of the arms 308 and/or 310 will besupported at the two outermost coupling assemblies 312 near the veryends of each arm. In a portrait orientation the LCD panels will need tobe spaced closer to each other, thus requiring one of the LCD panels tobe coupled to the more inwardly positioned assembly 312 a (FIG. 53) ofeach support arm 308 and 310. The closely positioned pair of couplingassemblies 312 on support arm 306 enables the third support arm 310 tobe mounted in one of two positions on arm 306 depending upon whether theLCD panels are disposed in a landscape or a portrait orientation. FIGS.55-57 illustrate four LCD panels 316 supported on the display system300. It will be appreciated that each of the LCD panels 316 includes amounting member identical or similar to members 314 on a rear housingsurface thereof such that each can be quickly and easily coupled to oneof the coupling assemblies 312.

It will be appreciated that the display system 300 could easily be usedto support less than four LCD panels 316 if desired. For example, in thedrawing of FIG. 54 the second support arm 308 could be eliminated andthe one LCD panel 316 coupled directly to the vertically uppermostcoupling assembly 312. This arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 58-60.Alternatively, the lower support arm 310 could be eliminated and a LCDpanel 316 coupled directly thereto as illustrated in FIGS. 61 and 62.

It will be appreciated that the display system 300 could be easilymodified through the use of additional support arms to support more thanfour LCD panels 316 if needed. For example, the support arm 306 could belengthened sufficiently to extend above the second arm 308, and a fourthsupport arm identical to arms 308 and 310 could be coupledperpendicularly thereto such that two extra LCD panels could besupported. An even longer support member and still another extra supportarm could be incorporated to support eight LCD panels 316. As can beappreciated, a very large plurality of independent LCD panels can besupported from a single base 302 and support column 304 if needed.Particularly desirable is the feature of being able to orientate the LCDpanels 316 in either portrait or landscape mode, or a combination ofeach, as needed. FIGS. 63 and 64 illustrate variations of the abovedescribed display systems incorporating both landscape and portraitorientated LCD panels 316.

Referring now to FIGS. 65-70, a display system 400 in accordance withanother preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. Display system 400 incorporates a base assembly 402, avertical support member 404, and a pair of telescopically mountedsupport arms 406 supported by a central arm 408 which is secured to thevertical support member 404 either fixedly (i.e., non-movably) or forrotational movement relative to the vertical support member 404. Eachsupport arm 406 includes a mounting member 410 for supporting an LCDscreen on the arm, as hereinbefore described. The support member 408 maybe tubular, in the form or a C-channel or the form of a U-channel, andtelescopically supports each arm 406 for sliding movement into oroutwardly of the support member 408. Since the two support arms 406 areindependent members, each can be extended or retracted without the needfor moving the other support arm 406.

With specific reference to FIGS. 65 and 68, the system 400 is shownsupporting a pair of LCD screens 412 attached to the mounting members410 both in a portrait orientation. In this illustration, the LCDscreens 412 comprise 10 inch screens. The independent adjustability ofeach support arm 406 enables each LCD panel 412 to be extended to theposition needed to place the two LCD screens 412 closely adjacent eachother.

Referring to FIGS. 67 and 70, the display system 400 is shown supportingone of the LCD display screens 412, which in this example is a 10 inchscreen, in a portrait orientation, and the other screen 412, which inthis example is a 15 inch screen, in the landscape orientation. Theindependent movement of each support arm 406 allows each to be adjustedto the proper length of extension to permit the LCD screens 412 to bepositioned side-by-side in this orientation, and also such that they areabutting or virtually abutting each other so that there is noobjectionable gap between them. The display system 400 thus enablesmonitors of varying sizes to be mixed as needed and positioned to mostefficiently enable the user to view information on the screens 412.

Referring now to FIGS. 71-75, a display system 500 is illustrated inaccordance with another alternative preferred embodiment. The system 500is identical to the system 400 of FIGS. 65-67 with the exceptions oflocking mechanisms on each of the support arms and a centering devicefor centering two LCD screens on the display system 500.

Referring specifically to FIG. 71, the display system 500 includes abase 502, a vertical support member 504 fixedly secured to the base 502,and a pair of support arms 506 each disposed for telescopic movementrelative to a center support arm 508. The center support arm 508 alsoincludes two locking mechanisms 510 which can be used to lock eachsupport arm 506 at a desired position such that the locked arms 506cannot move. A centering member 512 is pivotably disposed on the supportarm 508.

The locking mechanisms 510 may comprise buttons which are biased towardtheir respective support arm 506 such that they automatically engagewith preformed openings in their respective support arm 506, and need tobe depressed to release their associated support arms before each can beextended or retracted from the support member 508. FIG. 72 illustratesthe support arms 506 in their fully retracted positions.

Referring to FIGS. 72-76, the centering member 512 will be described infurther detail. The centering member 512 comprises an independent memberwhich is pivotably secured by a pair of pivot pins 514, shown in FIG.75, which are disposed in openings formed in the support member 508.When in the retracted or closed position shown in FIG. 72, the centeringmember 514 sits flush with an outer surface of the support member 508.When extended, the centering member 514 projects outwardly of thesupport member 508 to form a means by which the LCD screens supported onthe arms 506 can be precisely centered on the arm 508. In the retractedposition, the centering member 514 rests within a recess or opening 516formed in the arm 508. FIG. 74 shows the centering member 512 extendedto enable centering of a pair of LCD screens 518 mounted thereon viamounting members 520. FIG. 76 illustrates a pair of LCD screens 518 ofdifferent sizes to further illustrate the easy centering thereof by useof the centering member 512.

Referring now to FIG. 78, a means of providing enough clearance aroundthe support arm of a display system to permit increased booking of apair of LCD screens is shown. In FIG. 77, a display system 600substantially identical to the display system 400 of FIGS. 65-67 isshown, illustrating that this system enables a slight degree of bookingwhich, in some situations may not be as much as a user would desire. Inthis example each LCD screen 612 can only be “booked” inwardly towardeach other a slight degree due to the presence of the support arm 608.The display system 700 shown in FIG. 78 overcomes this problem. Thedisplay system 700 includes a vertical support member 704 which supportsa support member 708. The support member 708 telescopically supports apair of independent support arms 706. However, the support member 708 isformed with a concavity or “bend” 708 a at the longitudinal midpointthereof. The centering component 714 is preferably disposed at thismidpoint 708 a and may include an arcuate shape to conform and blend inwith the outer surface of the support member 708 at this point on themember 708. Thus, an increased degree of booking is enabled without therequirement of any additional component parts.

Referring to FIGS. 79-81, a display system 800 in accordance withanother alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention isshown. The display system 800 includes a modified base assembly whichcan be adjusted to provide a larger “effective” footprint to therebysupport larger LCD screens with even greater stability.

The display system 800 includes a base 802, a vertical support member804, and an arm assembly 806 which, in this embodiment, is identical tothe arm construction of the embodiment 700 shown in FIG. 78 and thedescription above relating thereto. It will be appreciated immediately,however, that the base assembly 802 could be used with virtually anyform of arm, and is therefore not limited to the support arm 806 shownin FIG. 79.

The base assembly 802 includes a platform 808 which includes at least apair of integrally formed channels 810. Each channel telescopicallysupports an independent support foot 812. Each support foot 812 includesa neck portion 814, illustrated in FIG. 80, which resides completelywithin its associated channel 810 when the foot is in a retractedposition, as illustrated in FIG. 79.

When one or more LCD screens are being supported on the arm assembly 806which, because or their size or weight, require a larger support“footprint” to ensure stability thereof, the foot portions 810 can bequickly and easily extended by simply pulling outwardly on each. Thisprovides a larger effective footprint for the base 802 and thereforeeven greater stability. When the larger footprint is not required, thefoot portions 810 can simply be pushed into the channels 810 to shrinkthe footprint such that the base 802 takes up less space on a desk,credenza, etc. Advantageously, no tools are required to enlarge thefootprint of the base 802 and any LCD screens mounted on the displaysystem 800 do not need to be removed before extending the foot portions812.

Referring now to FIG. 81, a modified base 802 a is shown which includesan even larger platform 808 made up by a larger front base portion 803is shown. Base 802 a enables an even further degree of stability to beachieved over the embodiment of the base 802 shown in FIG. 79.

Referring now to FIGS. 82-86, various embodiments are disclosed forenabling smooth, sliding movement of the support arms described inconnection with FIGS. 65, 71 and 78. In FIG. 82, a support arm 900 and asupport member 910 are illustrated. The support arm 900 has a neckportion 902 and an end portion 901. The end portion 901 includes an LCDscreen mount 901 such as described hereinbefore.

The neck portion 902 includes a pair of rollers 904 mounted for freerolling movement and such that they extend just slightly beyond theouter upper surface 902 a of the neck portion 902. Optionally, the neckportion 902 can include a channel 906 formed in one or a pair ofopposing side wall portions 908 of the neck portion 902. A centersupport member 910 is formed of a tubular construction and includes aprojecting lip portion 912 a extending from a lower wall 912. Disposedin the lower wall 912 are a pair of rollers 914 mounted for rotation incut-outs 916. The interior area of the support member 910 accepts theneck portion 902 of support arm 900 and the rollers 914 and 904cooperate to enable a smooth, low resistance rolling movement of theneck portion 902 relative to the support member 910.

FIG. 83 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the supportmember 910′ having a plurality rollers 914′ disposed within the supportmember 910′. In this embodiment no rollers 904 would need to be providedon the neck portion 902 of the support arm shown in FIG. 82 to enablesmooth sliding movement.

FIG. 84 shows a support arm 920 in accordance with another alternativepreferred embodiment of the member 910. Support member 920 includes anLCD mounting member 922, such as described hereinbefore, and a neckportion 924 having a pair of longitudinally extending channels 926facing away from each other. A support member 928 is of tubularconstruction and includes a pair of opposite, inwardly facing ribs 930which ride within the channels 926 to help guide the neck portion forsliding movement. FIG. 85 illustrates an embodiment 920′ which isidentical to the embodiment shown in FIG. 84 except for the use ofsquare shaped channels 926′ and square shaped ribs 930′.

Referring now to FIGS. 86-88, a locking system for enabling quick andeasy movement of a ball joint type mount from a portrait orientation toa landscape orientation is shown. A neck 952 of a ball joint type LCDscreen support 950 has a keyed end 954. The end 954 resides within anopening 956 in a support arm 958. The keyed end 954 has a keyed opening960 which is able to receive a similarly keyed member 964 of a releaseassembly 962.

The release assembly 962 includes a flip up handle 966 attached to ashaft 968. The shaft 968 is also attached to the keyed member 964 andmoves slidably within a washer 970 separated from the handle by one ormore springs 972.

The end 954 is captured in the opening 956 by a retainer plate 974 whichis fixedly secured to the support arm 958, as also shown in FIGS. 87 and88. The washer 970 is also secured to the support member 958 such thatpulling on the handle 966 allows the keyed member 964 to be releasedfrom the keyed opening 960, when assembled into the arm 958, therebypermitting the keyed end 954 to be rotated while the handle 966 ispulled. In this manner the orientation of the ball joint type LCD screensupport 950 can be changed between two orientations. FIG. 89 illustratesa partial cross section of the release assembly 962 disengaged from thekeyed end portion 954.

Referring now to FIG. 90, another release mechanism 980 in accordancewith another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown.This embodiment is very similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 86-89 withthe exception that automatic stops are built in to the mechanism toallow movement only between two positions 90 degrees apart from oneanother.

With further reference to FIG. 90, two stop members 982 are fixedlydisposed within a portion of a support arm 984 having a recess 985. Aneck portion 984 of a LCD screen mount 986 includes a pair of oppositelyfacing grooves formed in the neck 984 which receive the stop members982. As can be seen in FIG. 91, the grooves 988 only allow the neck 984to rotate between two positions ninety degrees apart. The LCD screenmount 986 is also shown in FIG. 92.

Referring further to FIG. 90, an outermost end of the neck 990 includesa pair of keyed grooves 992. A key portion 994 of a release member 996is fixedly secured to a shaft 998. A stop element 1000 is separated froma wall portion 1002 of a support arm 1004 by a pair of springs 1006. Theshaft 998 extends through a hole 1008 in the wall portion 1002 and has agraspable knob 1110 at the end thereof. Pulling outwardly on the knob1110 against the biasing force of the springs 1006 causes the stopelement 1000 to be withdrawn from the keyed grooves 992, thus enablingthe neck 984 to be turned between one of two positions 90 degrees apartfrom one another while the knob 1110 is held in its pulled out position.When the knob 1110 is released, the springs 1000 bias the key portion994 back into the grooves 992 such that the neck 984 cannot be rotated.In this regard it will be appreciated that the grooves may also form aplurality of apertures that enable the neck 984 to be rotated betweentwo positions about 90 degrees apart.

Referring now to FIGS. 93-103, a display system 1120 is shown. Thedisplay system 1120 incorporates a universal ball hinge mechanism 1122for coupling two LCD screens 1124 together and allowing rotationrelative to one another about two axes extending perpendicular to eachother. Release mechanisms 1126 enable the two screens to be secured ineither portrait or landscape orientations. In this manner the screenscan be used in a variety of orientations to fit the needs of specificapplications or situations where multiple screens of information need tobe displayed in certain orientations.

Referring now to FIG. 104, a display system is 1200 is illustrated inwhich a pair of LCD screens 1202 are supported on a common display arm1204, which is in turn supported on a vertical support 1206. Thevertical support 1206 is supported fixedly on a base unit 1208. Withthis embodiment, the LCD screens 1202 do not need to be moved closer toor farther from each other when remounted in a landscape or a portraitorientation.

In FIG. 104, the dimension X_(A) is set equal to the dimension X_(B).Thus, when the LCD screens are repositioned on the support arm 1204 inFIG. 105, there is sufficient clearance to permit mounting the screensin the portrait orientation.

Referring now to FIGS. 106-118, a release member 1200 in accordance withan alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. This embodiment incorporates a shaft 1202, as illustratedin FIGS. 106-108, having a plurality of teeth 1204 a, 1204 b and 1204 c.Teeth 1204 a and 1204 c are each spaced 90 degrees away from the centraltooth 1204 b. As shown in FIG. 107, each tooth 1204 preferably includesa tapered edge portion 1206.

Referring to FIGS. 109-116, a support member 1208 includes an opening1210 designed to cooperate with the release member 1200 to enable therelease member to be quickly released from a locked position and movedbetween two positions 90 degrees apart from one another. The opening1210 includes a stop portion 1212 having surfaces 1212 a and 1212 b.With brief reference to FIGS. 115 and 116, the opening also includessteps 1214, 1216 and 1218. The steps 1214, 1216 and 1218 are at 90degree increments about the inner periphery of the opening 1210. Eachstep 1214, 1216 and 1218 is further set back from a face surface 1219,while the stop 1212 is formed so as to be flush with the surface 1219.

Referring now to FIGS. 109-114, the release member 1200 is illustratedbeing inserted into and rotated within the opening 1210. The releasemember 1200 fits within the opening 1210 such that steps 1204 a and 1204c are positioned on opposite sides of the stop 1212. When fully insertedinto a “locked” position, as shown in FIG. 111, the release member 1200cannot be turned. This is also illustrated in FIG. 114. The taperedsurfaces 1206 on each step 1204 also helps to wedge the steps 1204 intothe opening 1210 to eliminate play when the release member 1200 is inits locked position. When the release member 1200 is partially withdrawnto the point that the arms 1204 clear the steps 1214, 1216, and 1218, asshown in FIGS. 112 and 113, then the entire release member 1200 can berotated 90 degrees counterclockwise and reinserted fully into theopening 1210. The release member 1200 is shown in this orientation inFIG. 114. The stop 1212 acts to prevent further rotation of the releasemember 1200 because of abutting contact of arm 1204 c with stop 1212. Ifthe release member 1200 is rotated from the orientation shown in FIG.114 back into the orientation shown in FIG. 112, then the abuttingcontact between arm 1204 a and stop 1212 limits the movement in thisdirection. Thus, the stop 1212, in connection with the arms 1204 a and1204 c, limits the rotational movement of the release member 1200. Theorientation of the release member 1200 relative to the opening 1210 inthe two above described positions is shown in FIGS. 117 and 118. Thesteps 1214-1218 provide a means to lock the entire release member 1200immovably in place.

Referring now to FIGS. 120 and 121, a lever assembly 1220 is illustratedfor use with the release member 1200. The lever assembly comprises alever 1222 which is pivotably mounted to a base element 1224. The baseelement 1224 is disposed within an opening 1210 in the support member1208. In this embodiment, the opening 1210 includes a recess 1226preferably deep enough so that the lever resides therein flush with arear surface 1208 a of the support member 1208 when the lever 1222 is inthe closed position shown in FIG. 119.

The lever 1222 is coupled to a locking shaft 1228 preferably by acamming mechanism which retracts the locking shaft 1228 when the leveris moved to an open position, as shown in FIG. 120. The opposite end ofthe locking shaft 1228 is fixedly secured to the release member 1200such as by threaded engagement with a portion of the release member1200. The lever assembly 1220 thus forms a convenient means by which therelease member 1200, and a ball joint assembly attached thereto, can bequickly and easily locked in place or unlocked. FIGS. 121 and 122illustrate the lever 1222 being moved from the closed to the openposition.

Referring now to FIGS. 123-126, another alternative embodiment of theextendable arm of FIG. 82 is shown. This embodiment includes a supportarm 1250 having a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves orchannels 1252 a-1252 c (FIG. 125). The channels 1252 b and 1252 c acceptcomplementarily shaped shoulder portions 1254 formed in an interiorsurface of a support member 1256. The support member 1256 also includesa threaded opening 1258 through which a threaded portion 1260 of alocking knob 1262 is disposed. The threaded portion 1260 is fixedlysecured to a knob portion 1264 and at its opposite end rotatably to atab 1266. The tab 1266 is shaped so as to fit within the channel 1252 awhen the support arm 1250 is inserted into the support member 1256.

From FIGS. 124-126, the support arm 1250 is locked into place by simplyscrewing down the locking knob 1264, which clamps the arm 1250 securelywithin the support member 1252.

Referring now to FIG. 127, the locking knob 1262 is just as easilyadaptable for use with a support arm 1270 which incorporates rollers1274. The rollers 1274 allow an even smoother rolling movement of thesupport arm 1270 into and out of its associated support member 1276.

Referring to FIGS. 128-130, a release assembly 1300 for a ball joint isshown. The assembly 1300 includes a ball joint member 1302, a mountingblock 1304, a washer assembly 1306, a retainer 1308 and an end cap 1310.Optionally, a flat washer 1312 can also be included.

The ball joint member 1303 includes a ball joint portion 1314 coupledvia a shaft 1316 to a base member 1318. A locking shaft 1320 projectsfrom the base member 1318. The locking shaft 1320 includes a groove 1322formed on an end portion thereof for accepting the retainer 1308. Thebase member 1318 includes four registration detents 1324 spaced every 90degrees about the periphery thereof.

The mounting block 1304 shown in FIGS. 128 and 129 includes four raisedshoulder portions 1326, one at each corner thereof. The shoulderportions 1326 are further spaced so as to engage with the fourregistration detents 1324 when aligned with the detents 1324. A centralopening 1327 provides a passage for the locking shaft 1320 to extendtherethrough, and a recess 1329 in a rear surface 1331 provides room forthe washer assembly 1306, the retainer 1308, the cover member 1310, andoptionally the flat washer 1312, if included, to reside therein.

The assembled components are shown in FIG. 130. The washer assembly 1306preferably comprises a “wave” washer assembly which provides a biasingforce when compressed to maintain the ball joint member 1302 securelyagainst the mounting block 1304. It will be appreciated that a widevariety of spring assemblies could be used to provide a suitable biasingforce in lieu of the washer assembly 1306. When assembled, the shoulderportions 1326 are held securely within the registration detents 1324when aligned therewith, thus preventing rotation of the ball jointmember 1302.

When it is desired to reposition the ball joint member 1302, a pullingforce is exerted on the member 1302 to momentarily urge it away from themounting block 1304. While in this position, the ball joint member 1302is rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. As the ball jointmember 1302 is rotated, the shoulders 1326 will automatically “snap”into the registration detents 1324 after 90 degrees of rotation. Theball joint member 1302 can thus be positioned and held within any offour positions, wherein each position is 90 degrees from its nextadjacent position. Advantageously, no tools or partial disassembly ofthe system 1300 is required to rotate the ball joint member 1302.

Referring now to FIGS. 131-133, an arrangement is illustrated forattaching two LCD screens 1352 and 1354 of a dual screen LCD displaysystem 1350 in such a manner that the screens can be supported by a pairof ball joint type supports on a common support arm 1356, and centeredalong a horizontal midpoint of each, or aligned such that the lower orupper edges of each LCD screen are aligned with each other.

In FIG. 133, the distance Xa is set equal to Xb, when the two LCDscreens 1352 and 1354 are to be aligned along their upper horizontaledges. This produces hypotenuse Xc. Distance Y1 represents the desiredclearance between the two LCD screens 1352,1354. Distance F representsthe difference in distance by which LCD screen 1354 exceeds LCD screen1352. Distance Xb is ½ the total distance G of LCD screen 1352. When LCDscreen 1352 is positioned in the landscape orientation, its top edge isaligned with the top edge of LCD screen 1354. When it is removed fromits ball joint support, the ball joint support rotated 90 degreesclockwise, and the screen 1352 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise andreattached in the portrait mode, edge 1352 a will be aligned with edge1354 a of screen 1354. Conversely, LCD screen 1354 could be removed, itsball joint support rotated 90 degrees clockwise, the screen 1354 rotatedlikewise, and resecured to its ball joint such that edge 1352 a ofscreen 1352 and edge 1354 a of screen 1354 are both aligned parallel toeach other, which will place edges 1352 a′ and 1354 a′ in horizontalalignment with each other.

Referring to FIG. 131, the LCD screens 1352 and 1354 can be alignedalong edges 1352 c and 1354 c if the mounting point of screen 1352 ismoved a distance d in the X direction and a distance c in the Ydirection, and where distance c equals d, and c plus d is further equalto G. The effect of this is that the pivot point of LCD screen 1352moves along the hypotenuse Xc a small distance, thereby allowing ashorter support arm 1356 to be used. Note H is also ½ the distance ofthe LCD screen 1352 total height. Distance H is also ½ the total widthof LCD screen 1354. If the LCD screen 1352 is removed, rotated 90degrees clockwise and reattached to the support arm 1356, then the edges1352 d and 1354 d will be horizontally aligned. It will be appreciatedthat an arm 1356 having the same length as the arm shown in FIG. 133could be used, but that such a longer arm would require that the balljoint supports which support the LCD screens 1352 and 1354 on the arm1356 be mounted on the arm for sliding movement so they can bepositioned closer to one another than the spacing shown in FIG. 133. Inthis manner the ball joints could be readjusted closer to each otherwhen the screens 1352 and 1354 are to be aligned as shown in FIG. 131.

Referring to FIG. 132, the LCD screen 1352 can be positioned perfectlycentered along the vertical side of LCD screen 1354, if the pivot pointis located offset from a horizontal midpoint of screen 1352 by adistance b in the X direction and a distance a in the Y direction, andif b is equal to a, and the sum of b and a equals B2. Since the LCDscreen 1352 is centered along the vertical edge of screen 1354, B2 isequal to B1. In this instance, B1 and B2 will each be ½ of distance Fdesignated in FIG. 133. The LCD screen 1352 can also be removed, itsball joint support rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and the screen 1352reattached to the support arm 1356, which will put edge 1352 d thereofin horizontal alignment with edge 1354 d of screen 1354.

It will also be noted that the support arm 1356 shown in FIG. 132 alsois shorter than the support arm 1356 shown in FIG. 133. By thereforeusing the above-described guidelines, the ball joint supports of each ofthe LCD screens 1352 and 1354 can be mounted at specific points on therear surface of each LCD screen 1352 and 1354, and spaced apart on thesupport arm 1356, such that the two screens can be aligned together invarious orientations when one is in the portrait orientation and theother is in a landscape orientation. It will also be appreciated thatwhile the above-described dimensions have been discussed only withregard to LCD screen 1352, that screen 1354 will need to supported, ineach of FIGS. 131-133, with the same dimensional requirements as itsaccompanying screen 1352 in each figure. Also, the distances Y1, Y2 andY3 shown in FIGS. 133, 132 and 131, respectively, need to be taken intoaccount in each instance when determining the needed spacing between thetwo pivot points on the support arm 1356.

Referring now to FIGS. 134-139, a ball joint assembly 1400 isillustrated which enables rotation of a neck portion 1402 relative to abase portion 1404 when the neck portion is urged into the position shownin FIGS. 136 and 137. This feature is useful for enabling an LCD screento be moved from a portrait orientation into a landscape orientation, orvice versa, without the need to first physically detach the LCD screenfrom its ball joint support assembly, while still permitting booking ofthe two screens relative to each other. It will be appreciated that withthe ball joint support assemblies described previously herein, rotationof one of two closely positioned LCD screens first requires removal ofthe screen before it can be rotated. After being rotated into thedesired orientation, the LCD screen would be reattached. The problem ofsufficient clearance between the two LCD screens, and the limitations onthe construction of the ball joint assembly itself, did not permit oneof the LCD screens to simply be rotated into another orientation.

Referring further to FIGS. 134 and 135, the ball joint assembly 1400overcomes this shortcoming by providing a groove formed in the basemember of the assembly 1400 which enables the neck portion 1402 to berotated once the neck is moved into a booked position. To accomplishthis, the neck portion 1402 includes a pin 1406 fitted in the ballmember 1408 thereof. The pin 1406 is restrained for movement within achannel 1410. The channel enables precise booking movement of the LCDscreen (not shown) attached to a keyed end portion 1412 of the neckportion 1402.

Formed within the base portion perpendicularly to channel 1410 is agroove 1414. Groove 1414 is sized to accept the pin 1406 once the pin ismoved into alignment with the groove 1414. This alignment is shown inFIGS. 136 and 137. When the pin 1406 is aligned as shown in FIGS. 136and 137, the LCD screen will be booked outwardly such as shown in FIG.141 by screen 1416. Once booked into this orientation, LCD screen 1418will not interfere with subsequent rotation of screen 1416.

Referring to FIGS. 138-139 and 140-143, LCD screen 1416 can then berotated counterclockwise into the portrait orientation withoutinterference from screen 1418. The groove 1414 thus enables rotation ofthe ball member 1408 but only once the screen 1416 has been bookedoutwardly a sufficient degree to place the pin 1406 in alignment withthe groove 1406. This provides the advantage of preventing accidentalrotation of the LCD screen 1416, since the user is required to move thescreen 1416 to an outwardly booked position (FIG. 141) before anyrotation can be effected. The fully rotated screen 1416 is illustratedin FIGS. 142 and 143.

If the ball joint assembly is orientated on its support arm 1420 inFIGS. 144-147 such that the groove 1406 is 180 degrees displaced fromthe orientation in FIGS. 136 and 137, then screen 1418 in FIGS. 144-147can be similarly rotated once it is booked outwardly as shown in FIG.145. Accordingly, the ball joint assembly 1400 enables each of thescreens 1416 and 1418 to be rotated between the portrait and landscapeorientations once they are booked outwardly a sufficient degree. Assuch, there is no need to first remove either screen if it needs to berepositioned.

Referring now to FIGS. 148 and 149, a portion of a base assembly 1500for an LCD screen is illustrated. The base assembly 1500 incorporates abuilt in control panel, which is shown in enlarged fashion in Figure1502. The control panel incorporates an ON/OFF switch 1504, a built inspeaker 1506, a volume “UP” button 1508 and a volume “DOWN” volumebutton 1510 for enabling easy adjustment of the volume of the speaker1506. A “SELECT” button 1512 enables the user to select which one ofseveral LCD screens being supported can be adjusted for picturebrightness, centering, etc. A “RESET” button 1514 enables the user toreset the various visual adjustments (i.e., contrast, brightness, etc.)to default settings. A dial 1516 enables the user to scroll throughvarious choices provided on the selected screen in menu format. StandbyLED 1518 provides an provide an indication that one or more of thescreens are powered on. An infrared sensor 1520 enables use of thedisplay system with a wireless keyboard. It will be appreciated that notall of the features of the control panel 1502 need to be included and,alternatively, that other switches or components could just as easily beincorporated if needed.

Referring now to FIG. 152, a display system 1550 is shown which issubstantially similar to the display system 400 of FIG. 65 with theexception of a camera 1552 mounted in a support arm 1554 thereof. Thecamera enables convenient video conferencing to be accomplished from thedisplay system 1550.

The camera 1552 includes a flexible tubular sheath 1556 which holds theorientation it is placed in. At one outermost end of the sheath 1556 ismounted an optical camera 1558. The flexibility of the sheath 1556enables the camera 1552 to be adjusted to precisely the desired heightto suit the user seated in front of the display system 1550.

Referring to FIG. 153, an alternative preferred embodiment of the camera1552′ is shown in which a microphone 1560 is attached to the opticalcamera 1558′.

FIG. 154 illustrates the camera 1552 disposed between a pair of LCDscreens 1562. FIG. 155 even better illustrates the flexibility of thecamera 1552. The flexibility of the sheath 1556 enables the opticalcamera 1558 to be pointed at a desired angle, whether at the user ordown on a document placed on a table supporting the display system 1550.FIG. 156 illustrates in enlarged fashion the sheath 1556 of the camera1552 exiting through an opening 1564 in the arm 1554.

Referring now to FIG. 157, a display system 1600 in accordance withanother alternative preferred embodiment is shown. The system 1600includes a pair of LCD screens 1602, with one of the screens including abuilt-in camera 1604 placed within the interior area of the bezel 1606of the LCD screen.

FIG. 158 shows a clip 1608 having a built-in camera head 1610 suitablefor coupling to the bezel of one of the LCD screens 1602. The clip 1608is shown in FIG. 159 secured to a bezel 1612 of the LCD screen 1602.Advantageously, the clip 1608 can be moved around the bezel 1612 andsecured at different positions on the bezel 1612 to best suit theposition of the LCD screen 1602 relative to the user.

What is claimed is: 1) A stand for supporting a first computer displayhaving a first flat screen lying on a first nominal plane, a secondcomputer display having a second flat screen lying on a second nominalplane and a third computer display having a third screen lying on athird nominal plane, the stand comprising: a base; a column connected tothe base; three mounting assemblies coupled to the column for supportingthe three computer displays, wherein the mounting assemblies allow thethree computer displays to be configured so that the angle between thefirst and second nominal planes is sixty degrees, the angle between thefirst and third nominal planes is sixty degrees, and the angle betweenthe second and third nominal planes is sixty degrees. 2) A tripod standfor supporting a first computer display having a first flat screen lyingon a first nominal plane, a second computer display having a second flatscreen lying on a second nominal plane and a third computer displayhaving a third screen lying on a third nominal plane, the tripod standcomprising: a base having three legs; a column connected to the base;three mounting assemblies coupled to the column for supporting the threecomputer displays, wherein the mounting assemblies allow the threecomputer displays to be configured so that the angle between the firstand second nominal planes is sixty degrees, the angle between the firstand third nominal planes is sixty degrees, and the angle between thesecond and third nominal planes is sixty degrees.